WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – November 15, 2016 – Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), a company dedicated to serving the agricultural credit and financial needs of farmers and ranchers, reaffirmed its support of Iowa agriculture through an investment in the non-profit Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF).

The financial commitment made by FCSAmerica will assist CSIF in its ongoing efforts to provide direct assistance to livestock farmers as they strive to grow their farms successfully and responsibly.

“FCSAmerica is proud to renew our support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Agriculture is the heartbeat of Iowa, responsible for one out of every three dollars that enter the Iowa economy, with livestock alone generating $31.6 billion for the states’ economy,” says Jim Knuth, senior vice president for Farm Credit Services of America. “So it’s important not only for our organization, but for all of Iowa to support this industry, and one of the best ways to do that is through livestock.”

“We’re extremely grateful for FCSAmerica’s contribution to the Coalition and deeply appreciative of their continued support of Iowa agriculture,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. “With the increasingly complex and costly regulations covering animal agriculture, farmers can use some assistance and the Coalition provides it directly to the families that need it most. FCSAmerica’s investment underscores the value of our efforts.”

A portion of the FCSAmerica investment will be used to support the Coalition’s popular Green Farmstead Partner program; it offers timely and cost-effective assistance to Iowa farmers wanting to plant trees and shrubs around new and existing livestock and poultry barns.

“Livestock continues to be vital in keeping farm families living and working on the land,” says Waddingham. “In the twelve years since the Coalition was formed, we’ve assisted more than 3,700 farm families wanting to responsibly grow their farms and bring young people back to rural Iowa. Diversification is a key component to Iowa’s thriving livestock industry, from established livestock farmers to crop farmers adding livestock for the first time. Whether it’s a new and beginning farmer or an existing and well-established farmer calling us, there is a great deal of optimism about adding livestock to the farm.”

The non-profit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

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